Vacation From Civilization: The Origins and Emergence of Thru-hiking on the Appalachian Trail
Open Access
Author:
Berg, Adam P
Graduate Program:
Kinesiology
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
July 09, 2012
Committee Members:
Mark Dyreson, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Keywords:
Hiking Thru-Hiking Appalachian Trail Modern Sport Wilderness Recreation Vacation Authentic Experience History
Abstract:
This thesis delves into the origins and emergence of thru-hiking on the Appalachian Trail. It will discuss why the trail was built, who the first thru-hikers were, and why thru-hiking suddenly increased in popularity in the 1970s. It will consider what type of experiences thru-hiking aimed for, as well as how such experiences became possible. The Appalachian Trail was built to be a place for personalized recreation apart from modern society. Entrenched in how Americans have used the trail is a socially constructed dualism which places civilization and wilderness on opposite ends of the spectrum of human control. Overtime, the trail became a place where growing numbers of people went for prolonged but temporary periods. By the 1970s, a sudden increase of hikers began to take vacations from civilization for months at time. In record numbers long-distance-trekkers began hiking the entire Appalachian Trail in a single trip. Utilizing contemporary wilderness ideals, hikers envisioned themselves gaining authentic experiences that appeared unattainable in the civilization they seemingly left behind.
